Timing belt replacement: Opel VectraB 1.8 (X18XE1, Z18XE, Z18XEL)

🧭 Before you start

Lock the flywheel, remove the crankshaft pulley and belt covers, align the timing marks and fit the camshaft locking tool. Remove the old belt, fit the new one, remove the camshaft tool and set the tensioner pointer. Turn the engine two rotations clockwise, check the marks, then refit the crankshaft pulley with new bolts, ancillary belt and covers.

Fits: platform codes 1.8, 16V

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking tool

Don't miss

• Tensioner pointer to A for a new belt, B for a used belt, on either tensioner type.
• Use new crankshaft pulley bolts.
• Coolant pump renewal is recommended while the belt is off.
• Remove the camshaft locking tool before turning the engine to check tension.
• Tension is correct only when the marks align after two clockwise rotations.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📐 33 workshop diagrams for X18XE1

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Flywheel locking tool:
2. Unless otherwise advised by the manufacturer, the following procedures are recommended:
3. Always fit a new timing belt after removal
4. Coolant pump renewal is recommended after timing belt removal
5. Check the tensioner and idler pulleys; renew if necessary

6. Fit the flywheel locking tool
7. Remove the crankshaft pulley
8. Refit the crankshaft pulley bolt
9. Remove the camshaft locking tool
10. Remove the timing belt lower cover
11. Align the timing marks

Installation and checks

12. Fit the camshaft locking tool
13. Align the camshaft timing marks
14. Remove the camshaft locking tool
15. Loosen the tensioner pulley bolt
16. Loosen the tensioner
17. Turn the tensioner pulley clockwise until the pointer aligns with A for a new belt and with B for a used belt
18. Type 1:
19. Type 2:
20. Tighten the tensioner
21. Turn the engine 2 rotations clockwise
22. Check the position of the tensioner
23. The tension is set if the marks are aligned
24. Fit the camshaft sensor
25. Fit the timing belt lower cover
26. Fit the flywheel locking tool
27. Fit the crankshaft pulley
28. Use new bolt(s)
29. Remove the flywheel locking tool
30. Fit the ancillary drive belt tensioner
31. Fit the ancillary drive belt
32. Refit the timing belt upper cover
33. Refit the battery

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